According to Natural Resources Canada, these are the proper steps for disposing of a broken CFL light bulb, which does not pose an immediate health risk despite the small amount of mercury inside:

• Sweep up the glass fragments and phosphor powder (do not vacuum).

• Place the broken pieces of the bulb in a plastic bag.

• Wipe the area with a damp paper towel to pick up tiny pieces of glass or fine particles. Dispose of the paper towel in the plastic bag.

• Check with your municipal waste management program about disposal.

Photo credit: David Suzuki Foundation